Head of Program - Nigeria

INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

Terms of reference

Job Title: Head of Program

Code: SR-49-10177

Duty station: Maiduguri

Starting date: 07/05//2026

Contract duration: 6 months

Reporting to: Country Director

Functional Supervisor: Deputy Regional Director

Supervision of: PMs, Technical Coordinators

Type of Duty Station: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

With over a decade of conflict, there have been devastating humanitarian consequences across North-East (Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states) and the North-West of Nigeria. According to the Humanitarian Needs Overview 2023, an estimated 8.3 million women, men, and children need some form of humanitarian and protection assistance. Over 2 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to persistent violence and remain internally displaced. Food insecurity and malnutrition are exacerbated by inflation, poverty, and restricted access due to insecurity, which impedes livelihood opportunities. Gender-based violence (GBV) has been a significant protection concern faced by IDP women and girls in the area. Numerous basic infrastructures, such as hospitals, clinics, and water supplies, are damaged, posing constraints on essential service provision. Epidemics like cholera arising from flooding and overcrowded settings put extra stress on the already vulnerable communities.

General purpose of the position

The Head of Program is responsible for the overall program strategy across the country and for providing technical input to the team within the different sectors.

S/he is also responsible for developing policies, processes and standards within the respective area of responsibility. S/he will enable and oversee the monitoring and evaluation of the activities across the country and s/he is finally responsible for the development of the portfolio, ensuring consistent donors reporting, internal and external representation. Ultimately, s/he will be active in high level and strategic decision-making, collaborating closely with the Country Director and the Finance and Logistics Managers.

Main responsibilities and tasks:

Strategy and vision

• Contribute to the development and update of the country strategy, within INTERSOS overall global strategic plan, values and principles

• Work as part of the Senior Management Team to share ideas and program recommendations, supporting and implementing continuous improvement on activities, processes and procedures to optimise results and improve quality of delivery in line with quality standards

• Determine, set and deliver goals and objectives for the program team in line with the mission strategic objectives

• Develop in collaboration with technical referents, high quality program strategies and proposals in relevance with context and needs

• Ensure that program strategies and processes are in place to meet quality implementation and to achieve the targets.

• Develop holistic and needs-based programs, identifying funding opportunities and strategic partnerships.

• Design and roll-out creative and innovative programming, lead assessments for rapid response or scale-up programming in existing or new areas of intervention

• Together with the Country Director and the Finance and Logistics Managers, create and implement best practice program management vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve organizational performance

• Supervise the design of standards and processes with technical referents at Mission level.

Program management

• Supervise and guide the program team (Program Managers, Grants & Reporting Managers, Technical Coordinators)

• Ensure program coordination and coherence across portfolio

• Ensure program and project reviews are regularly and effectively conducted, monitor the delivery of programs based on work plan

• Together with the Finance and Logistics Managers, ensure adequate resources allocation are provisioned to deliver programs.

• Trigger and oversee the design of concept notes, proposals and budgets for cost-related activities, ensuring the coordination with Program Managers, Grants & Reporting Manager, Technical Units and support functions (HR, Finance, Logistics and Security), in line with INTERSOS and donors’ requirements

• Ensure timely communication and information flow on program achievements to internal and external parties

• Conduct risk assessments of the program activities and related processes

Accountability and quality control

• Oversee and support continuous improvement of program quality standards

• Explore innovative solutions to improve the impact on program

• Oversee the program development, implementation, ensuring targets and quality are respected in collaboration with MEAL department

• Ensure the appropriate systems and procedures are established and followed, ensuring best practices in project management are developed and adopted with appropriate program management frameworks in place

Representation and advocacy

• Together with the Country Director and Finance and Logistics Managers, establish strong and efficient partnerships with organisations, donors and authorities, in line with the country strategy

• Represent INTERSOS in relevant coordination forums

• Contribute to the definition of the country advocacy strategy and represent INTERSOS within national and international media and participate in community activities as appropriate

• Upon delegation of authority, act as Country Director when needed

People management

• Lead the program team ensuring daily supervision and regular support to maximize efficient performance

• Communicate with the program team on program status, risks and issues in an appropriate and timely manner. Ensure regular and timely communication between project team members

• Monitor the completion of tasks and ensure good performance and record on appropriate systems

• Motivate and coach the program team. Communicate key performance Indicators (KPIs) to the staffs so that they are aware of the strategic annual plan

• Consistently promote high standards through personal example and roll out through the team so that each member understands the standards and the behaviours expected

• In collaboration with the HR Coordinator, undertake continuous training and staffs’ development. Inspire the team and provide technical expertise

• In collaboration with Protection and/or Medical coordinator, support the identification and deployment of the technical skill sets, resource levels and systems to deliver projects, including the engagement of external resources as required

Required profile and experience:

• BA in relevant field, Master in Business Administration or equivalent

• Essential working experience of at least 5 (five years) in related activities at Senior Management level

• Desirable previous experience with NGOs

• Experience in setting up new projects and programs and of developing and implementing departmental and organisational strategies

• Experience of planning, budgeting and executing complex strategies

• Experience in managing medical, protection and interdepartmental technical staffs

• Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)

• English

• Strategic vision

• Leadership, people management and development

• Planning and organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines

• Teamwork and cooperation

• Negotiation and networking skills

• Behavioural flexibility

• Innovation and creativity

• Decision making and influence

• Communication skills written and oral

• Excellent budget/financial management skills

• Commitment to INTERSOS principles

General conditions and benefits:

• Salary range: grade 13 - 4.023€ - 4.627€ monthly gross

• Accommodation: Shared Guesthouse

• R&R: 7 days of psycho-physical recovery every 12 weeks + 1000€ allowance.

• Annual Leave: 2.5 days per month

• Medical insurance for the staff

• Transportation and visa: Round-trip flights. For missions lasting at least 9 months, an additional flight ticket to the Country of residence and return to the mission will also be provided.

• Induction: one week of online induction before the deployment

How to apply

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates are invited to apply following the link below:

https://www.intersos.org/field/#intersosorg-vacancies/vacancy-details/69c3aa85e7f8e217e3fb6900/

Please note that our application process is made of 3 quick steps: register (including your name, email, password and citizenship), sign-up and apply by attaching your CV in PDF format. Through the platform, candidates will be able to track their applications’ history with INTERSOS.

Please also mention the name, position and contact details of at least three references: two line managers and one HR referent. Family members are to be excluded.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.